OKLAHOMA CITY – Black Hills State knocked down 11 first half three pointers as the Yellow Jackets defeated University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball, 73-49, in the season opener at the Payne Athletics Center.

BHSU was 11-for-15 from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes, while the Lions were only able to connect on one triple for the game. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Lions 49-27 in the first half and shot 66.7 percent from the field.

UAFS held BHSU without a three in the second half, but the Lions struggled from the field themselves, shooting just 20.6 percent from the floor in the half and 23.2 percent for the game.

Guard Payton Brown led the Lions with 13 points by going 7-for-9 from the free throw line. Guards Evan Anderson and Courtney Murrell each added 10 points. Murrell had a team-high eight rebounds

Forward Connor Slater added eight points and six boards.

UAFS outscored BHSU in second chance points, 12-5, by pulling down 14 offensive rebounds.

The Lions will next square off against Metro State – Denver Saturday at 2 p.m.